Universal support apparatus for camera enabled mobile computer devices

ABSTRACT

A universal support apparatus for supporting different camera enabled mobile computer devices, such as laptop computers, tablets and cell phones, that have a display screen and camera coverage areas in front of the display screen and that are used for creating video sessions such as for on-line meetings, webinars and podcasts. The support apparatus includes mobile device support platform configured to support a laptop computer such that it&#39;s folded out display screen and camera can be positioned to face the user and an adaptor for the mobile device support platform for holding planar tablets, cell phones and the like in the same or similar user facing orientation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US22/11503 filed Jan. 6, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/134,928, filed Jan. 7, 2021, allof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the use of camera enabled computerdevices for video sessions arranged through various commerciallyavailable video conferencing platforms, and more particularly toaccessories used to facilitate and improve the video session experience.The invention provides a convenient facility for optimally positioningvarious camera enabled mobile computer devices, such as laptops, tabletsand cell phones, at a position that is ergonomically suited to the userwhen engaged in a video session, such as engaging in a video conferencewith business associates or a video session between family members ormaking a presentation during a webinar or podcast.

The practice of connecting remotely through various computerapplications such as Zoom®, WebEx® and Microsoft Teams® is widespreadand increasing. Family members, friends and business colleagues areincreasingly reliant on this mode of staying connected, particularlyduring times and circumstances that make face-to-face gatherings undulycostly, unsafe or impractical. Participants might attend such videosessions using their desktop computer with a built in camera or separatewebcam attached to the top of the computer monitor. But quite oftenparticipants in video sessions will be attending via a mobile computerdevice (laptop, tablet or cell phone) having a built in camera. In doingso, they will need to hold the device in front of them or set or prop itup on an available surface to allow the face of the user to be seen byother participants on the video session. Often this results in the userstruggling to keep the mobile device well positioned for the session orplacing the device in a less than optimal position. And most often theuser ends up in a compromised, ergonomically poor position in order tokeep proper alignment between the user's face and the mobile device'scamera.

In addition to such positioning struggles, camera enabled mobile devicesare often used in environments where the user's face is not properly litfor viewing. With poor lighting, dark shadows can appear on the user'sfacial features, or the facial features can be washed out. As mobiledevices are moved about to participate in a video session, the faciallighting can suddenly and unpredictably change from decent lighting todreadfully poor lighting of the facial features.

The present invention provides a solution to the difficulties increating and maintaining a video session environment that isergonomically sound for users of different types of camera enabledmobile computer devices. The invention provides a portable apparatusthat can readily be adapted to receive and hold clamshell style mobilecomputer devices such as laptop computers, and planar or flat mobilecomputer devices such as tablets and cell phones, and to do so whereeach can be held in a position that is compatible with viewing anglerequirements for a video session. Aspects of the invention furtheraddress the challenges in creating optimal lighting environments forvideo sessions and to do so with a single supporting apparatus and tofacilitate the adjustment features of the apparatus as circumstancesrequire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a universal and most suitably portablesupport apparatus for optimally positioning varied camera enabled mobilecomputer devices, wherein persons who use the mobile computer device fora video session with other participants need to position themselveswithin the computer device's camera coverage area in order to be seen bytheir remote video session counterpart or counterparts. Camera enabledmobile computer devices capable of being supported on the supportapparatus of the invention include planar mobile computer devices havinga display screen with a key pad in the plane of the device and clamshellmobile computer devices having a generally planar base and a displayscreen that in use is folded out from the planar base as is the casewith most laptop computers.

The support apparatus includes an upright support structure, preferablyin the form of a vertical post assembly hereinafter described, and afooter structure at the bottom end of the upright support structurewhich maintains the apparatus in an upright position. A device supportplatform is attachable to the upright support structure above the footerstructure so as to extend forwardly of the forward facing side of theupright support structure. This support platform is configured tosupport different mobile computer devices, such that, as to each suchmobile computer device, a person positioned in front of the supportstand may view the display screen of the mobile computer device and bewithin the camera coverage area of the mobile computer device. Theuniversal support stand can additionally include a facial lighting unitor structure attachable to the upright support structure above thedevice support platform for illuminating the face of a person using themobile computer device. Both or either of the support platform and aforward facing lighting structure can be adjustably attached to theupright support structure of the apparatus such that the height ofeither or both of these structures can be adjusted relative to theheight of the head of the user when the user situates himself or herselfin a comfortable position in front to the support apparatus.

In one aspect of the invention, the support platform includes aremovable adapter configured to capture and hold the edge of a planarmobile device, such as a tablet or cell phone, so as to position thedisplay screen of the planar mobile device in a suitable forward facingorientation. In another aspect of the invention, the adaptor for thedevice support platform is configured to capture and hold the edges ofplanar mobile devices having different thicknesses. In still a furtheraspect of the invention, the adaptor for the device support platform iscomprised of a plurality of upright transverse channels with eachchannel having a different channel width corresponding to the standardthicknesses of different planar mobile devices.

A further aspect of the invention provides for at least one vent openingin the support platform capable of conveying heat away from a mobilecomputer device, and particularly from a laptop computer, which is seton the device platform over the vent opening. The removable adapter usedfor holding the camera enabled planar mobile device can be configured sothat it be plugged into the vent opening in the device support platform.

In still another aspect of the invention, the upright support structurecan be a substantially vertical post assembly comprised of an inneranchor post attached to the footer structure of the apparatus and anouter slide post that adjustably slides on the inner anchor post. Thedevice support platform and facial lighting structure are attachable atdifferent positions to the outer slide post of the vertical postassembly, wherein height adjustment of both the device support platformand lighting structure can be achieved in tandem by adjusting the heightof the slide post on the anchor post of the post assembly. Suchadjustment can be made while maintaining a fixed pre-set spacing betweenthe device support platform and the lighting structure.

Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the followingdescription and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, left side perspective view of a mobile computerdevice support apparatus in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1A is the same view of the mobile computer device support apparatusshown in FIG. 1, but with the device support platform of the supportapparatus exploded off of the vertical post assembly of the devicesupport apparatus.

FIG. 1B is the same view of the mobile computer device support apparatusshown in FIG. 1, but with the outer slide post of the vertical postassembly raised up on the support apparatus's inner anchor post toadjust the height of the device support platform of the supportapparatus.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mobile computer device supportapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view thereof with the platform adaptor of theapparatus removed.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the platform adaptor for the apparatus.

FIG. 6A is a left side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view thereof.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical post assembly of theapparatus taken along section lines 8-8 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8A is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the vertical postassembly and the device support platform of the apparatus shown in theforegoing figures, showing the device support platform removed from thepost assembly.

FIG. 8B is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the vertical postassembly and the device support platform of the apparatus shown in theforegoing figures, showing the device support platform connected to thevertical post assembly.

FIG. 8C is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the vertical postassembly of the apparatus illustrated in the foregoing figures with thesupport platform connected to the vertical post assembly as shown inFIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 is a front left side perspective view of the mobile computerdevice support apparatus as illustrated in the forgoing figures with alaptop computer supported on the device support platform of theapparatus.

FIG. 10 is a front left side perspective view of the mobile computerdevice support apparatus as illustrated in the forgoing figures with acomputer tablet supported on the device support platform of theapparatus.

FIG. 11 is a front left side perspective view of the mobile computerdevice support apparatus as illustrated in the forgoing figures with acell phone supported on the device support platform of the apparatus.

FIG. 12A is a pictorial view showing a person using the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated in the foregoing figures in a sittingposition.

FIG. 12B is a pictorial view showing a person using the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated in the foregoing figures in a standingposition, and wherein the outer slide post has been extended as shown inFIG. 1B.

FIG. 13 is a left side, elevational view of a mobile computer devicesupport apparatus in accordance with the invention as illustrated in theforegoing figures, but with its own elevated stand.

FIG. 14 is a front, left side perspective view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

It will be understood that, unless otherwise stated, use herein of theindefinite article “a” or “an” or the definite article “the” is notintended to limit the referenced item or structure to a single item orstructure, but rather shall be interpreted as allowing for the use orpresence of more than one of the referenced item or structure.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a support apparatusin accordance with the invention wherein the support apparatus, denotedby the numeral 11, includes a mobile device support platform 13 forsupporting a mobile computer device, a facial lighting unit 15 forilluminating the user, and an upright support structure in the form ofvertical post assembly 17. As hereinafter described, the mobile devicesupport platform and facial lighting unit are attached to the verticalpost assembly so as to be height adjustable. Additional heightadjustable auxiliary devices, such as a camera or teleprompter, can beattached to the vertical post assembly facing the user. The mountingbracket 18 on the post assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5 provides thiscapability.

As best seen in FIG. 1B, the vertical post assembly of the illustratedembodiment is comprised of an inner anchor post 19 attached to a footerstructure and an outer slide post 21 that fits over and can slide on theanchor post. The footer structure can suitably be a square orrectangular flat footer plate 23 of a suitable size and weigh tomaintain the stability of the support apparatus in an upright positionwhen in use. It will be appreciated that, in addition to the footerstructure later described in reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the footerstructure could take other forms, such as a U-shaped stand or one ormore clamps that could be used to clamp the apparatus to the edge of acountertop or desk top. Interchangeable standing and clamping structurescould be provided for setups in different physical environments.

As described in more detail below, the device support platform andfacial lighting unit are both adjustably attached to the outer slidepost 21 of the post assembly 17 at different locations on the slidepost. This allows up and down positional adjustments of each of thesecomponents on the slide post, including the adjustment of their relativespacing. As also described in more detail below, the outer slide post 21can in turn be height adjusted on the anchor post 19 of the postassembly to allow for up and down adjustment of the facial lighting unitand the device support platform so as to maintain their preset spacing.In this way, once a spacing of the lighting unit and the device supportplatform is established that achieves optimal lighting conditions forthe user in one position, for example, in a sitting position, these twocomponents can readily be moved in tandem when the user changespositions, for example from a sitting position to a standing position.(Any other auxiliary devices, such as a camera or teleprompter, that maybe attached to the outer slide post will similarly be moved in tandemwith the mobile device support platform and facial lighting unit whenthe slide post is moved on the anchor post—see FIG. 9 and discussion ofcameras and teleprompters below.) Having the ability to move all of thecomponents at once in this manner makes it easier for the user to movefrom a sitting to a standing position or from a standing to a sittingposition very quickly, which contributes to good body health with lessfatigue for the all-day users.

The outer slide post is seen to have a forward facing side 25 to whichthe facial lighting unit 15 and device support platform 13 are attached,placing them in front of the user, and a rear facing side 27 to which apower strip 29 can be attached. Both anchor and slide posts are suitablyabout the same length such that, when in the down position shown, forexample, in FIG. 1, the top end 31 of the slide post is at about thesame height as the anchor post while the bottom end 32 of the slide postabuts or nearly abuts the footer plate 23. (The top end of the slidepost is covered by a removable cap 34 having a finger hole 36 for easeof removing the cap.) As more fully described below, the desiredelevation of the slide post on the anchor post can be set by an easilyaccessible screw knob 22 located on the rear-facing side of the slidepost.

As also further described below, the mobile device support platform 13is configured to support different mobile computer devices in a forwardfacing orientation, such that, as to any one of the mobile computerdevices, a person positioned in front of the height adjusted mobiledevice support platform of the support apparatus is able to view thedisplay screen of the mobile computer device supported on the devicesupport platform while at the same time being within the camera coveragearea of the mobile computer device. The illustrated mobile devicesupport platform is seen to have an angled top wall 33 for supportingthe mobile computer device and a backwall 35 that provides a structureuseful in attaching the device support platform to the post assembly 17as later described. (As also later described, an angled support surfaceof about 25 degrees is believed to be best suited to properly orient thefolded-out display screen of a laptop computer.) Bracing plates 37tucked against the underside of the top wall and backwall of the supportplatform provide additional rigidity to the platform. The entire supportplatform can be fabricated of a sheet metal, such as aluminum, resultingin a lightweight component that is easy to manipulate and that will notsignificantly raise the center of gravity of the standing apparatus. Theinner and outer posts of post assembly 17 can suitably be fabricatedfrom aluminum extrusions.

Unlike clamshell laptop computers that have a fold out screen where thescreen and camera angle can be adjusted, the display screens and camerasfor tablets and cell phones are in a fixed plane, with the camerapointing at an angle perpendicular to the planar mobile device. Simplylaying these devices on the angled top wall 33 of device supportplatform 13 would not be workable as the display screen and camera wouldbe pointed up at an awkward angle for the user, instead of facing theuser when the user's face is positioned in front of the apparatus.

To overcome this positioning problem, an adapter 39 is provided for themobile device support platform 13. The adaptor is configured to captureand hold the edge of different planar mobile devices, such as a tabletor cell phone, so as to position the display screen of the device in asuitable front facing orientation where it can be viewed by a user andwhere the user is within the camera coverage area of the camera for themobile device.

In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing an adaptorwith a plurality of transverse upright channels 41 of different widthson the top side 43 of the adaptor. These channels are selected toaccommodate the different widths of commercially available tablets andcell phones, which can include tablets and cell phones with and withoutcases. The channels are provided with sufficient depth to capture andhold the edges of the tablets or cell phones (or any other planarcomputer device) such that these devices will be stably positioned in anupright orientation facing the user. The user need only select thechannel that best fits the thickness of his or her particular mobiledevice and insert the bottom edge of his or her mobile device in theselected channel. The channels are preferably angled relative to the topsurface of the support platform such that the mobile device stands up onthe support platform in a vertical or near vertical orientation facingthe user. More than one adaptor could be provided for the mobile devicesupport platform of support apparatus 11 to provide for a range ofcapabilities in terms of holding different sized planar mobile devicesand mobile devices encased in a range of casings of differentthicknesses.

To provide means for affixing the adaptor 39 to the top wall 33 ofmobile device support platform 13, the platform's top wall is providedwith a plug-in opening 45 (seen in FIG. 3A) into which a correspondinglysized protruding male plug structure 47 on the bottom 49 of the adaptorcan be inserted. To prevent the adaptor from becoming dislodged from theplatform when the mobile device apparatus is in use, the plug-in opening45 and male plug structure 47 of the adaptor are suitably sized tocreate a tight fit when the adaptor is plugged into the opening. Thedevice support platform's plug-in opening is also preferably designed toprovide a relatively large opening in the top wall of the platform withan adaptor plug structure to match. A large plug-in opening provides asuitably large vent opening through which heat generated by the laptopcan escape.

The adapter 39 can suitably be fabricated as single molded or 3-Dprinted plastic part. Most suitably the material selected for theadaptor will have sufficient rigidity to prevent the channel walls fromflexing when a mobile device is edgewise inserted into the adapterchannel. A suitable material for the adaptor would be nylonl2. Theoblong opening 51 shown in the center of the adapter provides an openingfor device cables and power cords to be threaded so they can be pluggedinto the power strip 29 on the back of the vertical post assembly.

As seen in FIG. 7, the male plug structure 47 on the bottom of theadapter has a rectangular perimeter wall 53 that defines the width andlength of the plug structure. A protruding lip 55 is provided along thebottom edge 57 of the front long wall 59 of the plug's perimeter wall.When the adaptor is plugged into opening 45 in the top wall of thedevice support platform, this lip can be hooked under the front longedge 61 of the top wall plug-in opening (this edge is shown in FIG. 3A)to fix the adaptor in place. Cross-ribs 63 extending between segments ofthe perimeter wall of the adaptor's male plug structure along with thewalls 65 forming the adapter's oblong center opening 51 provide theadaptor with further structural rigidity.

The illustrated facial lighting unit 15 is attached to the post assembly17 above the mobile device support platform 13 by means of a centerbracket housing 67. This bracket housing includes a connector similar tothe later described connector 14 that is used to attach the mobiledevice support platform to the outer slide post 21 of the post assembly.

The facial lighting unit is seen to include two light sources in theform of lamps 69 held by lamp sockets 70 at the distal ends 71 ofextension arms 73. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the extension armspreferably extend forwardly from the post assembly at an angle of about45 degrees from the center plane A of the apparatus, such that the faceof the user is illuminated by the lamps 69 from an angle of about 45degrees. In this manner, the user's face will receive direct light fromtwo sides to achieve substantially uniform facial illumination whenlooking into the camera of the camera-enabled mobile device supported onthe mobile device platform. Other positional deployments of the lamps ofthe lighting unit are possible and the lighting unit could beconstructed such that angle of the extension arms are adjustable.

It is noted that lamps 69 can be commercially available LED lamps andthe lamp sockets can be commercially available drivers for the lampswhich will allow for adjustment of both the color and intensity of thelight on the user's face. Such lamps may require a heat sink fordissipating heat generated by the lamps. An example of such acommercially available heat sink is shown in FIG. 1B, where the heatsinks 68 are attached to the back of the drivers 70 for the lamps.

The lamp sockets (or drivers) are electrified from the power strip 29 onthe post assembly 17. The needed wiring can extend to the brackethousing 67 through suitable wire channels (not shown) in the extensionarms, and from there a power cord of suitable length (also not shown)can be provided which plugs into the power strip.

The facial lighting unit can thus provide an improved lightingenvironment for the user within the camera coverage area of the mobiledevice. Similar to the mobile device support platform, the height of thelighting unit can be adjusted to meet individual requirements.

FIGS. 8 and 8A-8C illustrate the construction of the vertical postassembly 17 and how the mobile device support platform 13, lighting unitand the auxiliary device mounting bracket 18 are adjustably attached tothe post assembly.

As seen in the FIG. 8 cross-sectional view, inner anchor post 19 andouter slide post 21 of the vertical post assembly 17 have uniform andcomplimentary cross-sectional shapes that allow the outer slide post toslide over the anchor post. These two components of the post assemblycan suitably be fabricated of an extruded material such as extrudedaluminum, which offers strength and is light weight. Interior portionsof the anchor post are hollowed out to form channels 72, 74 divided by areinforcing center wall 75 running the length of the post. Holes 77running through three corners of the anchor post can be tapped at thebottom end of the anchor post to provide for screw attachments forfooter plate 23 or other footed structure. The adjustment knob 22 foradjusting the height of the slide post is seen to have a grippingportion 79 and a threaded end 81 extending from the gripping portionwhich is screwed through a corresponding threaded hole (not shown) inthe slide post's backwall 83. When the adjustment knob is tightened, thetip 85 of the knob's threaded end engages in a longitudinal groove 87centered in the anchor post's backwall 89. Groove 87, which can run thelength of the anchor post, helps to keep the slide post locked inposition without any wobble when the adjustment knob is tightened.

With further reference to FIG. 8, it can be seen that along the frontfacing side of the vertical support apparatus the slide post and anchorpost are configured to accommodate a narrow projecting part 91 of theanchor post, which fits within an inwardly facing slide channel 93 inthe slide post formed by the front wall 95 and side walls 97 of theslide post. Strips of material 99 having low surface friction, such asTeflon strips, can be adhered or otherwise affixed to the inner surfacesof the side walls 97 of slide channel 93 to facilitate the sliding ofthe slide post on the anchor post. Strips 99 are suitably short stripsadhered to the side walls of the slide channel near the bottom of theslide post; similar low friction strips of material (not shown) can beadhered to the outer surfaces of the sidewalls 101 of the projectingpart 91 of the anchor post at or near the top end of the anchor post. Byproviding low friction strips of material of suitable thickness on thesefacing wall structures of the vertical post assembly, the strips ofmaterial can serve to prevent the slide post from being lifted beyond agiven height on the anchor post.

As above mentioned, the device support platform 13, facial lighting unit15 and mounting bracket 18 for an auxiliary device (if needed) areattached in height adjustable positions to the forward facing side ofthe vertical post assembly, and more specifically to the outer slidepost of the assembly. In the illustrated embodiment of support postassembly 17 this is achieved via locking channels 103 at the two forwardcorners of the slide post. Each of these locking channels has a frontfacing access slot 105 running the length of the channels. Use of theselocking channels to attach and adjustably position the device supportplatform to the outer slide post of the vertical post assembly is nowdescribed in reference to FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIGS. 8A-8B are cross-sectional views of the vertical post assembly 17and device support platform 13 in the vertical plane showing the devicesupport platform 13 having a sliding post connector 14 attached to theplatform's backwall 35 being maneuvered from a position of disengagementfrom the outer slide post to a position of engagement on the slide post.For illustrative purposes, only the top end 31 of the slide post 21 isshown. It is at the top end of the slide post where the support platformis inserted into the front locking channels of the slide post.

FIG. 8C is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken in the horizontalplane, of the vertical post assembly with the device support platformattached to the outer slide post of the vertical post assembly as shownin FIG. 8B. As best seen in FIG. 8C, the post connector 14 is a U-shapedmember attached to the back wall 35 of the device support platform byfasteners 107. The rearwardly extending flat sidewalls 109 of the postconnector are sized and spaced apart so that they can fit through theaccess slots 105 of the locking channels 103 when the connector isengaged in the locking channels.

As seen in FIGS. 8A-8C, a laterally extending wedge post 111 affixed toeach of the connector sidewalls 109 allows post connector 14 to belocked in the locking channels 103 of the outer slide post 21 at anydesired height along the slide post. More specifically, FIG. 8A showsthe device support platform removed from the post assembly 17 of theapparatus but positioned near the top end 31 of the post assembly sothat it is ready to install. The device support platform is installed onthe outer slide post of the post assembly through the top end of thepost assembly, and for this purpose the slide post cap 34 shown in FIGS.1-5 needs to be removed. To install the mobile device support platform13 on the outer slide post, the platform's post connector 14 is insertedinto the locking channels 103 at roughly the angle shown in FIG. 8A,such that the ends of the connector sidewalls 109 with the wedge posts111 engage in the locking channels. Holding the support platform at theangle shown in FIG. 8A, the platform can be slid down the outer slidepost to the desired height. At the desired height, the device supportplatform is rotated down so that back edges 113 of the connector'ssidewalls 109 wedge against the rear inside walls 155 of the lockingchannels while the wedge posts of the connector wedge against the frontinside walls 117 of the locking channels. When thusly rotated, thedevice support platform will be locked in place on the slide post of thevertical post assembly.

To further adjust the height of the device support platform, the devicesupport platform is simply rotated up to release the wedging action ofthe platform connector as above-described to allow the platform to beslid up or down on the outer slide post. When the new desired height isachieved, the device support platform is again rotated down to lock theplatform in place. Using similar connectors, the facial lighting unit 15and auxiliary device mounting bracket 18 can be similarly attached toand adjusted on the outer slide bar of vertical post assembly 17.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate how the embodiment of the mobile device supportapparatus shown in FIGS. 1-5 supports various mobile computer devices aswell as an auxiliary camera.

In FIG. 9, apparatus 11 is seen to be supporting a clamshell laptopcomputer L having a fold-out computer screen LS with a camera (notshown) conventionally embedded in a centered position in the top borderregion of the fold-out screen. (When used to support a laptop computer,the previously described platform adaptor 39 is removed.) The keyboardbase of the laptop, which rests against the platform's upturned lip 12,lies at an angle due to the angle of the device support platform 13.This angle can suitably be about 25 degrees from horizontal. The screencan be folded out so that it lies in a nearly vertical plane with theembedded camera pointed directly at the user facing the screen. Alsoshown in FIG. 9 is a separate auxiliary camera/teleprompter K affixed toauxiliary device mounting bracket 18 so that the teleprompter similarlyfaces the user. The lamps 69 on the lighting unit 15 directly above thecamera/teleprompter will illuminate both sides of the face of the userat an approximately 45 degree angle.

FIG. 10 shows the same apparatus as shown in FIG. 9, but with theadaptor 39 installed on the device support platform. In this figure,tablet computer T is placed edgewise in one of the transverse channels41 of the adaptor, selected in accordance with the thickness of thetablet at its bottom edge. Here, it can be seen that the tablet and itsdisplay screen are also oriented in a near vertical plane such that thedisplay screen and the tablet's embedded camera face the user who haspositioned himself or herself comfortably in front of the apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a cell phone C held edgewise in a similar manner in one ofthe selected channels 41 of platform adapter 39. If the cell phone has adifferent thickness than the tablet, a different suitably sized channelon the adapter would be selected.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, it can be seen that, in the case of both the tabletand the cell phone, the depth of the adaptor channels is such that theysecure and hold the perimeter edges of the devices only and do nototherwise obstruct the faces of the planar mobile devices. By selectinga channel with a suitable width, the channel will prevent the planarmobile device from tipping over or being easily knocked off theapparatus.

FIG. 12A shows the mobile device apparatus 11 above described supportinga tablet computer T and set on a top of a desk D with a person/user Pseated in front of the desk within the coverage area of the tablet'sembedded camera. In this figure, the vertical post assembly is adjustedall the way down so that the tablet and its embedded camera faces theuser. FIG. 12B shows the apparatus 11 resting on the same tabletop Dwith the outer slide post 21 of the apparatus, which carries the devicesupport platform and the lighting unit, adjusted upwardly on the inneranchor post 19 to accommodate the same person P in a standing position.It is seen that the pre-set separation of the lighting unit and devicesupport platform on the outer slide post of the post assembly remainunchanged when the slide post is raised. This height adjustment is madeusing the adjustment knob 22 as explained above. The height to which thedevice support platform is adjusted is chosen such that when standingthe person's face is within the camera coverage area of the tablet.

To accommodate a suitable range of vertical height adjustments needed toaccommodate individuals of different heights and in different positions,as exemplified by the sitting and standing positions shown in FIGS. 12Aand 12B, the outer sliding post 21 of the post assembly will suitablymeasure about 30 inches from the top of the post to the footer structureof the apparatus 11 (plate 23 in FIGS. 12A and 12B), and when extendedto its maximum height, the measurement from the top of the post to thefooter structure will suitably be about 56 inches. These measurementsare exemplary measurements believed to accommodate most individuals'needs for supporting their mobile computer device and the lighting unitat optimal heights.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the same mobile device support apparatus as shownin FIGS. 1-5, except with a footer structure in the form of athree-legged elevated stand 115 instead of the flat footer plateillustrated in those figures. The vertical post assembly 17 can besecured to the top plate 117 of the stand by any suitable means, such asby screw fasteners (not shown). Providing such a stand will facilitatethe use of the apparatus of the invention in spaces where there are noconvenient desktop or counter top surfaces on which to set an apparatusof the invention.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described indetail in the foregoing specification, it is not intended that theinvention be limited to such detail. For example, other vertical poststructures might be employed, such as a single vertical support postthat requires independent adjustment of the device support platform andlighting unit on the post. Alternative constructions for the supportplatform are also possible. For example, a mobile device platform thatis horizontal rather than angled is considered within the scope of theinvention. The platform adapter could also be constructed differently solong as it is capable of edgewise holding planar, camera enabled mobilecomputer devices such as tablets and cell phones in an uprightorientation as above-described. For example, the adaptor could providefor one or more channels having an adjustable channel wall such that thewidth of the channel could be adjusted to the thickness of the edge ofthe mobile device. This would require means for adjusting the positionof at least one of the channel walls of the adaptor channel, which wouldadd complexity and add to the cost of manufacture of the apparatus. Themultichannel version of the adaptor illustrated and described herein hasthe advantage of ease of use and ease of construction.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for supporting different camera enabled mobilecomputer devices, including planar mobile computer devices having adisplay screen in the plane of the device and clamshell mobile computerdevices having a generally planar keyboard base and display screen thatin use is folded out from the planar base, the display screens of themobile computer devices each having camera coverage areas in front ofthe device's display screen, wherein a person who uses the mobilecomputer device for a video session must position himself or herself infront of the display screen of the mobile computer device to be withinthe camera coverage area in front of the device's display screen, theapparatus comprising: an upright support structure having a forwardfacing side, a top end, and a bottom end, a footer structure at thebottom end of the upright support structure for maintaining the uprightsupport structure in an upright position, a mobile device supportplatform attachable to the upright support structure above the footerstructure so as to extend forwardly of the forward facing side of theupright support structure, the mobile device support platform beingconfigured to support a clamshell mobile computer device with a foldedout display screen such that the folded out display screen is in aforward facing orientation and such that a person positioned in front ofthe support stand may view the display screen of the mobile computerdevice while being within the camera coverage area of the mobilecomputer device, and means on the forward extending mobile devicesupport platform for supporting a planar mobile computer device so as toposition the display screen of the planar mobile device in a forwardfacing orientation that can be viewed by a user positioned in front ofthe support platform while the user is within the camera coverage areaof the camera enabled planar mobile device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising a forward facing lighting structure attachable to theupright support structure above and the mobile device support platformfor illuminating the face of a person using the mobile computer devicewhen the person's face is positioned within the camera coverage areathereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the forward facing lightingstructure is adjustably attached to the upright support structure suchthat the height of the forward facing lighting structure can be adjustedto adjust the lighting on the face of the person using the mobilecomputer device for a video session.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe device support platform is adjustably attached to the uprightsupport structure such that the height of the support platform can beadjusted to a desired height in accordance with the preference of theperson using the mobile computer device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2wherein both the device support platform and the forward facing lightingstructure are adjustably attached to the upright support structure suchthat the height of the support platform and the forward facing lightingstructure can be independently adjusted.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the planar mobile computer devices that are supportable on thedevice support platform have perimeter edges bounding a display screen,and wherein the means on the forward extending support platform forsupporting a planar mobile computer device so as to position the displayscreen of the planar mobile device in a forward facing orientationincludes a removable adapter configured to capture and hold the edge ofa planar mobile device so as to position the display screen of theplanar mobile device in a forward facing orientation.
 7. The apparatusof claim 6 wherein the adaptor for the device support platform isconfigured to capture and hold the edges of planar mobile devices havingdifferent thicknesses.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the adaptorfor the device support platform is comprised of a plurality of uprighttransverse channels with each channel having a different channel widthcorresponding to different thicknesses of different planar mobiledevices.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the device support platformhas at least one vent opening capable of conveying heat away from amobile computer device set on the device platform atop the vent opening.10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the removable adapter used forholding camera enabled planar mobile devices is removably attachable tothe vent opening of the device support platform.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the upright support structure is a substantiallyvertical post assembly comprised of an inner anchor post attached to thefooter structure and an outer slide post that adjustably slides on theinner anchor post, and wherein the device support platform is attachableto the outer slide post of the post assembly, wherein height adjustmentof the device support platform can be achieved by adjusting the heightof the outer slide post on the anchor post of the post assembly.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11 further comprising a forward facing lightingstructure attachable to the outer slide post of the vertical postassembly above and separately from the support platform for illuminatingthe face of a person using the mobile computer device when the person'sface is positioned within the camera coverage area of the mobilecomputer device supported on the device support platform, wherein thedevice support platform and lighting structure can be height adjusted intandem by adjusting the height of the slide post on the anchor post ofthe vertical post assembly.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein atleast one of the device support platform and lighting structure can beattached to the slide post of the vertical post assembly at differentlocations along the length of the slide post so that the spacing betweenthe device support platform and lighting structure can be adjusted. 14.The apparatus of claim 12 wherein both the device support platform andlighting structure can be attached to the slide post of the verticalpost assembly at different locations along the length of the slide postso that the spacing between the device support platform and lightingstructure can be adjusted.
 15. An apparatus for supporting differentcamera enabled mobile computer devices, including planar mobile computerdevices having a display screen in the plane of the device and clamshellmobile computer devices having a generally planar keyboard base anddisplay screen that in use is folded out from the planar base, thedisplay screens of the mobile computer devices each having cameracoverage areas in front of the device's display screen, wherein a personwho uses the mobile computer device for a video session must positionhimself or herself in front of the display screen of the mobile computerdevice to be within the camera coverage area in front of the device'sdisplay screen, the apparatus comprising: an upright support structurehaving a forward facing side, a top end, and a bottom end, a footerstructure at the bottom end of the upright support structure formaintaining the upright support structure in an upright position, adevice support platform attachable to the upright support structureabove the footer structure, the device support platform having a topwall extending forwardly of the forward facing side of the uprightsupport structure for supporting a clamshell mobile computer device witha folded out display screen such that the folded out display screen isin a forward facing orientation and such that a person positioned infront of the support stand may view the display screen of the mobilecomputer device while being within the camera coverage area of themobile computer device, and an adapter on the top wall of the devicesupport platform that is configured to capture and hold the edge of aplanar mobile device so as to position the display screen of the planarmobile device in a forward facing orientation to be viewed by a userpositioned in front of the support platform and so that the user iswithin the camera coverage area of the camera enabled planar mobiledevice.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the adaptor is removablefrom the top wall of the device support platform.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 15 wherein the adaptor for the device support platform isconfigured to capture and hold the edges of planar mobile devices havingdifferent thicknesses.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the adaptorfor the device support platform is comprised of a plurality of uprighttransverse channels that extend up with each channel having a differentchannel width corresponding to different thicknesses of different planarmobile devices.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the top wall ofthe device support has a plug-in opening and the adaptor is configuredto plug into the plug-in opening.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 whereinthe plug-in opening in the top wall of the device support platform isconfigured to provide a vent opening through the top wall of the devicesupport platform through which heat generated by a clamshell mobilecomputer device resting on the top wall of the device support platformcan vent when the clamshell mobile computer device is in use.
 21. Anapparatus for supporting different camera enabled mobile computerdevices, including planar mobile computer devices, such as tablets andcell phones having perimeter edges and a display screen in the plane ofthe device and laptop computers with a fold out display screen, thedisplay screens of the mobile computer devices each having cameracoverage areas in front of the device's display screen, wherein a personwho uses the mobile computer device for a video session must positionhimself or herself in front of the display screen of the mobile computerdevice to be within the camera coverage area in front of the device'sdisplay screen, the apparatus comprising: a support structure, a devicesupport platform attachable to and extending forwardly from the supportstructure so that a camera enabled laptop computer can be supported onthe device support platform with a folded out display screen that can beviewed by a user positioned in front of the support platform while theuser is within the camera coverage area of the camera enabled laptopcomputer, and a removable adaptor for the device support platformconfigured to capture and hold the perimeter edges of planar mobilecomputer devices of different thicknesses so as to hold any one of theplanar mobile computer devices in an upright forward facing orientationthat can be viewed by a user positioned in front of the support platformwhile the user is within the camera coverage area of the camera enabledplanar mobile device.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the supportstructure is a substantially vertical post assembly comprised of aninner anchor post attached to the footer structure and an outer slidepost that adjustably slides on the inner anchor post, and wherein thedevice support platform is attachable to the outer slide post of thepost assembly wherein height adjustment of the device support platformcan be achieved by adjusting the height of the outer slide post on theanchor post of the post assembly, and wherein the outer slide post isconfigured to receive other structures useful in creating enhanced videosession, wherein the separation of the camera enabled mobile computerdevice support on the device support platform and such other structuresis maintained when adjusting the height of the device support platform.23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the device support platform has atleast one vent opening capable of conveying heat away from a mobilecomputer device set on the device platform on top of the vent opening,and wherein the removable adapter used for holding camera enabled planarmobile devices is removably attachable to the vent opening of the devicesupport platform.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the removableadaptor for the device support platform is comprised of a plurality ofupright transverse channels with each channel having a different channelwidth corresponding to different thicknesses of different planar mobiledevices.